Fridh Corporation reduces energy use in building by 30 percent

The steps Fridh Corporation took in 2009 to reduce the energy use at its 1111 S. Alpine Road building have reaped big rewards in the form of money saved for the company and its tenants. But it was the positive environmental impact that led them to be the focus of a recent blog post by Nick Magrisso on the Natural Resources Defense Council blog.

Magrisso’s blog explained how Fridh brought their yearly energy usage down from around 1,690,000 kilowatt-hours to 1,178,000. The technology used to accomplish the 30 percent savings consists of monitoring equipment installed throughout the building, which sends data back to a control unit. That unit then sends a signal to operate the actual temperature control device. Having precise data on the temperature of each area in the building prevents wasted energy on overheating or cooling.

“By investing in this technology, we are saving a lot of money in the long run,” said Jeff Holt, commercial property manager for Fridh. “We are able to pass that savings along to our tenants, keeping us all competitive in a rough business climate. When you add in the positive environmental aspects, you can’t help but wonder why every business or building owner doesn’t do this.”

Local companies were brought in to evaluate and implement the project. Alpha Controls and Services of Rockford installed the system, utilizing components manufactured by Schneider Electric of Loves Park. With the help of the ComEd Smart Ideas program, Fridh has already recouped its investment and is able to pass on the savings to tenants. Nick Magrisso’s blog can be found at http://switchboard.nrdc.org/blogs/nmagrisso/one_great_efficiency_program_f.html.